A small but select six-runner Group 3 contest honouring the great Kevin Prendergast. The pace forecast is weak, and that could prove influential with no guaranteed frontrunner aside from possibly TRUSTYOURINSTINCT, who likes to race prominently. In such tactical affairs, track position can be vital, and the likely steady gallop is not ideal for deeper closers like LAYFAYETTE. Draw should be largely irrelevant in this field size.


—

Key Contenders

TRUSTYOURINSTINCT (TFR 119) – 9/10
Proven at this level and arrives in peak form, having run to a career-best in a Listed race over 1m4f at this track five weeks ago. That form has a solid look, and the drop back in trip won’t inconvenience him in a tactical contest. Effective on a range of ground, including good to firm and soft, and tactically versatile. Joseph O’Brien is in excellent form and has a strong record at the Curragh. Significant that Timeform highlight him as a “horse for course” and a smart performer. Has a tactical advantage given the likely steady gallop.

DEEPONE (TFR 113) – 7/10
Trained by Paddy Twomey, whose record with horses over this distance is excellent (30% strike rate). DEEPONE returned from a long absence in the Tattersalls Gold Cup, where he understandably shaped as if in need of the run. He had previously shown smart juvenile form and won the Beresford Stakes here. Likely to strip fitter and has upside, but remains a little risky until he shows more on the track. Monitor the market for signs of confidence.

ELIZABETH JANE (TFR 114) – 7/10
Off the track for 251 days but signed off with a clearcut Listed win at Leopardstown where she beat LAYFAYETTE. That form reads well and her pedigree supports further improvement. Yard can get one ready fresh, and she handles cut in the ground. However, absence is a question, so any market strength would be encouraging. One of the more promising types in the field.


—

Main Dangers and Outsiders

LAYFAYETTE (TFR 109+) – 5/10
Now eight and seemingly on the downgrade. Placed in Listed company this term but lacks the tactical speed for a steadily-run Group 3. A “hold up” type who needs things to fall right. Form behind ELIZABETH JANE last season and a recent third behind Uluru showed ability remains, but he’ll need pace help to be effective.

GOTOMYLOVELY (TFR 108) – 4/10
A pace angle on paper and twice a winner in 2025, but came up short in Group company last time. Running style may help her if allowed a soft lead, though she’s exposed and doesn’t appear to have the same class as the top three. More of a handicap type on balance.

ROOSEVELT (TFR 103) – 3/10
Well-bred and representing a yard that has won this race six times in the last ten years. However, he was well beaten in a Royal Ascot handicap last time and looks out of his depth in this grade for now. Not dismissed entirely given connections, but needs major improvement.


—

Runners Rated out of 10 (Suitability: track/trip/ground/class)

TRUSTYOURINSTINCT – 9/10 – Proven, progressive, tactically suited

ELIZABETH JANE – 7/10 – Promising, capable fresh, fitness to prove

DEEPONE – 7/10 – Classy profile, fitter now, second-up watch

LAYFAYETTE – 5/10 – Needs luck from off the pace

GOTOMYLOVELY – 4/10 – Exposed at this level, possible pace angle

ROOSEVELT – 3/10 – Promising background, not shown enough yet



—

Timeform Trends and Insights

TRUSTYOURINSTINCT is noted as a “horse for course”.

DEEPONE was heavily backed on debut and traded well below BSP LTO – possible market clues again.

ROOSEVELT represents Aidan O’Brien, responsible for six recent winners of this race.



—

Private Tissue Estimate (based on all data)

TRUSTYOURINSTINCT – 6/4

ELIZABETH JANE – 4/1

DEEPONE – 9/2

LAYFAYETTE – 10/1

GOTOMYLOVELY – 16/1

ROOSEVELT – 20/1



—

Summary

This Group 3 contest may turn into a tactical affair with little pace forecast. That gives a clear edge to TRUSTYOURINSTINCT, who has the best recent form, track credentials, and likely gets the run of the race. DEEPONE is the type to step forward from his seasonal return, while ELIZABETH JANE commands respect on the back of her Listed success but needs a positive market to confirm readiness.


—

Smart Play

Win Bet: TRUSTYOURINSTINCT – well positioned tactically and in top form.
Cover: DEEPONE – second-up, progressive profile, could bounce back if tuned.

Numbers preclude each-way options here, so the smart play is win-only.